President Tinubu orders a thorough investigation of the stampede that occurred at the Ibandan Funfair organised by a non-governmental organisation, “Women in Need of Guidance and Support” that claimed over 35 lives and left many with various degrees of injuries.
The event was reportedly organised by a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster. It was held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
Sources revealed that the organisers had made provision for only 5000 participants. However, over 7,500 turned up for the event, which caused pandemonium as they all struggled to gain access to the venue. The overwhelming crowd caused severe congestion that resulted in the death of over 35 children and six sustaining various degrees of injuries and currently receiving medical intervention.
Following the outcome of the event, there has been a serious uproar in the community as parents of the victims stormed the venue as well as several hospitals, demanding the corpses of their children.
President Bola Tinubu, while extending his condolences on Thursday to the grieving families, who lost their children, assured that he has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain what truly happened. This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. This would involve “a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues,” he said.
“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” Tinubu said.
“In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.
“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly,” the statement read.
While the investigation is ongoing, the Oyo State Police Command has detained the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and six others, including the principal of the school where the event was held.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, in a statement, said, “Among those detained are Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school.
“The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.
